The Graduate
Record Examination or GRE as it is popularly known is a test that is required
for admission to graduate schools in the United States.  The Educational Testing Service (ETS) created
this test in 1949 and administers this all over the world now.  It has 6 sections – 1 analytical writing
section, 2 verbal reasoning sections, 2 quantitative reasoning sections and an
experimental or research section.   It is
a multiple choice, computer-based test that is administered through different
centers all over India.  An examinee is
allowed to go back and forth between sections.

The verbal
section assesses vocabulary usage, reading comprehension and critical
reasoning. 

The quantitative
section examines high school level mathematical knowledge and reasoning
skills. 

The analytical
writing section has two tasks.  One is an
essay for 30 minutes on a selected topic. The second is an argument that
presents facts and considerations, leading to a conclusion. An essay is
required of the examinee that critiques the argument. A personal opinion on the
subject is not encouraged.  The time
given for this task is 30 minutes.

This test is
intended to test the abilities and abstract thinking of all graduates,
irrespective of their field of specialization. The importance that is laid on
GRE scores varies from university to university.  Before attempting this competitive exam, it
is important to understand the significance of these scores for the
universities that you are applying to. Contact the person in charge of
admissions to find out if you require doing this test at all for your program
and how your scores will be used – only for admissions and/or funding
decisions.

The test results
of your GRE exam should be sent to all the graduate schools of the universities
that you are applying to.  Please note
that ETS does not release records of GRE tests that are older than 5 years.

ETS has come up
with preparation software called PowerPrep which contains 2 practice tests,
practice questions and review material. 
There are courses, books, sample tests and preparation material in the
market published by several companies. 
There are also web resources that students rely on. 

The cost of this
exam varies from country to country. 
Contact the ETS Office in India to find out the rates for the current
year, exam dates, centers and other details.